Learning materials

1. 12
English for Academic and
Professional Purposes
Quarter 4: Module 8
Writing a Position Paper

2. English for Academic and Professional Purposes – Grade 12
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 4 – Module 8: Writing a Position Paper
First Edition, 2020
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Published by the Department of Education
Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio
Printed in the Philippines by ________________________
Department of Education –Region VII Schools Division of Negros Oriental
Office Address: Kagawasan, Ave., Daro, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
Tele #: (035) 225 2376 / 541 1117
E-mail Address: negros.oriental@deped.gov.ph
Development Team of the Module
Writer: Grace A. Cimafranca
Editor: Ellen E. Edrial EdD
Reviewer: Ellen E. Edrial EdD
Illustrator: None
Layout Artist/Typesetter: Josephine V. Austero
Management Team: Senen Priscillo P. Paulin, CESO V Anna Lee A. Amores, EdD
Joelyza M. Arcilla, EdD Rosela R. Abiera
Marcelo K. Palispis, EdD Maricel S. Rasid
Nilita L. Ragay, EdD Elmar L. Cabrera

4. ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENT PAGES
WHAT I KNOW --------------------------- 1
Task 1 -------------------------- 1
WHAT’S IN --------------------------- 2
Task 2 --------------------------- 2
WHAT’S NEW --------------------------- 3
Task 3 --------------------------- 3
WHAT IS IT -------------------------- 4
WHAT’S MORE ------------------------------ 8
Task 4 ----------------------------- 8
WHAT I HAVE LEARNED --------------- 10
Task 5 ------------------------------ 10
WHAT I CAN DO ----------------------- 10
Task 6 ----------------------------------- 10
ASSESSMENT -------------------------------- 11
Task 7 -------------------------------- 11
ANSWER KEYS ----------------------------------- 13
REFERENCE LIST -------------------------------- 14

5. ii
Task 1
Directions: Write T if the statement is true and F if false. Use your activity
notebook to write your answers.
1. A good position paper considers all possible views on the issue at
hand. ___
2. An issue is a crucial component of a position paper. ______
3. An issue is debatable if it cannot be answered by yes or no.______
4. Audience analysis will help you write a more persuasive position
paper.
5. One way to establish your credibility as a writer is to boast about your
credentials. _______
6. Opinions are better than facts in supporting arguments. ____
7. Statistics can be used as evidence to support an argument. _____
8. The main goal of a position paper is to inform readers. _____
9. The strongest type of appeal in a position paper is logical appeal. _____
10. Your position should be restated in the concluding paragraph. ______
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6. iii
Task 2
Directions: Discuss why you think the advertisement is persuasive and
effective. Use the chart below for your discussions.
https://gurulocity.com/examples-advertisements-magazine-2016/
Claim Assumption Evidence What makes the
advertisement
effective?
2

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Task 3
Directions: Analyze the following text very carefully. Then, answer the guide
questions below the text.
He is married to a former student, currently a father of two, and a proud
defender of the right of faculty members to have romantic relationships with
students. He strongly believes that a teacher- student relationship should be
allowed just for the simple reason that having the kind of relationships doesn’t
mean that there will automatically be an effect on the student’s learning or the
teacher’s job. But is this statement true to all? I mean, can every professor in
the world resist the temptation of changing a partner’s grades for a benefit?
Well, I say no. Nobody in this world is perfect, and we all know that we are very
much vulnerable to temptations. So I strongly believe that a romantic
relationship between a teacher and a student should not be allowed in any
educational institution.
Dating your professor can lead to several problems. Number one, an
equal relationship is very hard to maintain when one party has much power
than the other. Of course, when you’re dating your professor, you must clearly
know that he holds your grades. But on the bright side, if you are not enrolled
in any of your partner’s class, you are somehow safe. But don’t be too
confident. Why you ask? Because there is a big tendency that your partner
(who is a professor) is friends with a professor who includes you as part of
his/her class.
Number two, if your relationship with your professor is known to people
around you (whether a student or a teacher), and you have excellent grades,
they might think that your grades were influenced by your partner. They would
probably think that your partner helped in giving you that high grade. As a
result, your grades may be questioned for their validity and they could have a
very hard time taking you seriously as a student.
Number three, a relationship with your professor leaves you unsure
whether your grades reflect your true academic performance or just a little
something that your partner gave you for a gift. Thus, it may lead to self-
doubt. You will be very much uncertain of what your potential is, therefore,
leading to a tendency that you will not be able to do our best-in-class activities.
And lastly, if a relationship between a teacher and a student ends badly,
and there are hard feelings on both sides. There will be a big tendency that
both partners will use his/ her own position to do several things. Let’s first
focus on what a professor can do after a break-up with his/her student. First,
WHAT’S NEW
3

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obviously, he can sabotage your grade. Second thing is he can say things to
other instructors that will make them perceive you negatively. And lastly, if in a
situation wherein your ex is the only one available for a certain course you
must take, it will become very awkward and uncomfortable for the both of you,
thus, making it hard to focus on your studies. He can also make sure that you
will never pass his course.
On the other hand, there are a lot of things that we can do as a student,
and that involves sexual harassment or at least the appearance of having a
case of sexual harassment. By dating a student, a faculty member is very much
vulnerable to charges regarding harassment. A professor can lose his/ her
career when charged with this. Professors dating a student can come under
suspicion as well.
To conclude, having a relationship between a teacher and a student will
not bear any positive results; thus, it will only lead to many troubles for both
parties. It will only result in an unbalanced relationship, bias stereotypes,
uncertainty of one’s potentials, and at the end, the use of positions against
each other. Think about it, are you really willing to face the consequences of
this said relationship? Or are you smart enough to restrain from it?
By: S. Madrid (A Student Essay)
Guide Questions:
1. What is the text about?
2. What is the claim of the writer?
3. If you were the writer, what will be your stand on this? Defend your
answer.
Very carefully
When we face an issue and are challenged to make a stand, it is
necessary for us to support it with logical arguments.
What is a position paper?
According to Fleming (2018), a position paper is one where an author
chooses a side on a particular topic and builds up a case for your opinion or
position. Building up your case will entail the use of facts and statistics to
convince the readers that the author’s position on the matter is the best one.
As defined by Merriam- Webster, a position paper is a detailed report
that recommends a course of action on a particular issue.
WHAT IS IT
4

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Why are position papers written?
Position papers are written for the purpose of generating support
regarding a particular stand/ idea (Xavier.edu.2020)
The fundamental goal of a position paper is not only to present your
stand on an issue/idea but also to determine how your stance is related to the
arguments of others. (CSU, 2020)
Parts of a Position Paper
Introduction
a. Start with an introduction which presents the issue while grabbing the
attention of readers.
b. Define the issues and discuss its background.
c. Provide a general statement of your position via your thesis statement.
Body
a. State your main arguments.
b. Provide sufficient evidence for each argument such as statistical data,
interviews with experts, and testimonies.
c. Provide counterarguments against the possible weaknesses of your
arguments.
Conclusion
a. Restate your position and main arguments.
b. Suggest a course of action.
c. State what makes your position paper superior and more acceptable,
d. End with a powerful closing statement such as quotation, a challenge, or
a question.
https://www.google.com/search?q=video+on+EAPP+position+paper&oq=video+on+EAPP+position+
paper&aqs=chrome..69i57j33i22i29i30l3.16155j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Structure of a Position Paper
The structure of a position paper is flexible, but it should generally follow
a simple flow that clearly conveys the problem and the position of the author(s).
A position paper should begin by clearly stating the problem and its
relevance to the scientific community or even to the society as a whole. It
should then address the main position of the author. For example:
1. Background: For decades, the WHO has urged the adoption of a tax on
unhealthy foods to discourage the consumption of products that are
harmful to our health.
2. Relevance: Sugar has been shown to have a negative impact on health
and play a major role in the rising obesity rates in America.
5

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3. Position: The United States should adopt a tax on drinks with added
sugar, to reduce the consumption of sugar, and promote healthier eating
habits.
The author should clearly list the common arguments and possible
objections against this position. To continue with our example:
1. Argument 1: A sugary drink tax that focuses on soda may not impact
other products that have an equally negative health impact such as fruit
juice or candy.
2. Argument 2: A sugary drink tax is regressive and places a financial
burden on the poorest consumers.
A strong position paper acknowledges the validity of the counter-
arguments and then puts forth reasons why the author’s position is still the
correct one. In our example paper, the author can address the
counterarguments in the next section like so:
1. Counterargument 1: It is true that a sugary drink tax would not impact
all sources of added sugar in the average American diet. However, it
would still have a significant impact on a major source of added sugar to
achieve its goal of reducing overall sugar consumption.
2. Counterargument 2: All consumption taxes are regressive. A sugary
drink tax would be most effective accompanied by subsidies for healthy
foods such as fruit and vegetables.
Finally, summarize your main points and re-state your position in your
conclusion. All arguments in the paper should be backed up by facts, data, and
evidence, with proper citation attributed to your sources. In this way, a
position paper is no different from an ordinary research paper. If you wish,
you can include a brief literature review in your discussion of the background
of the issue. While such a literature review is not essential, it can make your
paper stronger.
Choosing an Issue
1. The issue should be debatable. You cannot take any position if the topic is
not debatable.
2. The issue should be current and relevant.
3. The issue should be written in a question form and answerable by yes or no.
4. The issue should be specific and manageable.
Source: Jessie S. Barrot, P. (2016). Academic Reading & Writng For Senior High School. Quezon
City: C&E Publishing, Inc.
6

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Ten Tips for Writing a Strong Position Paper
Now that we know what a position paper is, let us review some tips to
write a great position paper.
1. Select a timely, relevant topic with two clear opposing sides.
2. Conduct thorough preliminary research and collect evidence to support
arguments for and against your position.
3. Identify your intended audience. You should tailor your tone depending
on who the paper is written for (the public, other scientists, policy
makers, etc.).
4. Clearly state your position on the topic.
5. List and refute the counter-arguments to your position.
6. Include supporting data and evidence to back up your argument.
7. Properly attribute your sources using correct citation.
8. Keep it simple! Position papers don’t need to go into excessive detail.
Present your points clearly and briefly.
9. Each paragraph in the paper should discuss a single idea.
10. Have someone proofread your paper to ensure it reads well and
looks professional.
A position paper can be a great way to expand your horizons and write a
new type of research paper. While position papers are unlike ordinary research
papers, they still contribute valuable perspectives to the scientific community.
Use these ten tips to write an effective position paper!
Source:https://www.enago.com/academy/top-tips-writing-position-paper/
Let us familiarize the following words:
Manifesto, a document publicly declaring the position or program of its
issuer. A manifesto advances a set of ideas, opinions, or views, but it can also
lay out a plan of action. While it can address any topic, it most often
concerns art, literature, or politics. Manifestos are generally written in the
name of a group sharing a common perspective, ideology, or purpose rather
than in the name of a single individual.
Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/manifesto
An argument is usually a main idea, often called a “claim” or
“thesis statement,” backed up with evidence that supports the idea.
Source:https://www.google.com/search?q=argument+in+position+paper+meaning&oq=argument
+in+position+paper+meaning&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i22i30j0i390l3.13455j1j4&sourceid=chrome&
ie=UTF-8
A claim defines your paper’s goals, direction, scope, and is supported by
evidence, quotations, argumentation, expert opinion, statistics, and telling
details. A claim must be argumentative. When you make a claim, you are
arguing for a certain interpretation or understanding of your subject.
Claims are, essentially, the evidence that writers or speakers use to prove
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their point. Examples of Claim: A teenager who wants a new cellular phone
makes the following claims: Every other girl in her school has a cell phone.
Source:https://www.google.com/search?q=claim+in+position+paper&oq=Claim+in+pos&aqs=ch
rome.0.0j69i57j0i22i30l8.18952j1j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Assumption is information not stated in the argument that has to be
true in order for the argument’s logic to hold. Simply put, an assumption is
something an argument takes for granted in reaching its conclusion.
Example: All kids are excited when they get new toys. Therefore, Tim will be
thrilled when he gets the new radio- controlled car we bought him.
In this argument, the author, says two things explicitly:
- All kids are excited when they get new toy
- Tim will be thrilled when he gets the new radio – controlled car we
bought him.
Steps in identifying assumptions:
- Identify the conclusion of the argument
- Identify what is stated in the authors reasoning
Evidence is the available body of facts or information indicating whether
a belief or proposition is true or valid.
Example: All kids are excited when they get new toys.
Conclusion: Tim will be thrilled when he gets the new radio- controlled
car we bought him.
Author’s Assumption: Tim is a child.
https://www.slideshare.net/rheiheartYOU/identifying-assumptions
Task 4
Directions: Analyze the following text very carefully. Then, answer the
questions below the text.
Should Homework be Mandatory?
I can almost see many students nodding along with me as I ask this
question. Younger generations overloaded with home tasks and numerous
assignments have already raised this issue many times.
Yet, homework remains mandatory.
WHAT'S MORE
8

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Is it fair or should it be cancelled?
I believe that homework should not be viewed as a mandatory part of
education for several reasons.
First, children spend seven hours every single workday at school. That is
a huge chunk of life, and with homework added on top of these hours, a child
is left with no time to live his life to the fullest, socialize, or grow in other areas.
Second, sitting at your desk solving problems does no good to your
health. Kids need time to get outside and have some fun, join a football league,
or ride their bikes with friends around the block. Otherwise, children will be
very smart but surprisingly weak physically.
Another argument against this position is that homework is not always
the best way to obtain knowledge quality-wise. Students tend to ask their
parents or siblings for help whenever facing difficulties. Busy parents not
always willing to spend extra time explaining school material to their little one
solves the problems themselves aiming to have more time for family, not
lessons. As a result, the child will have the homework done. But that is really
not his work. So, the whole idea of dedicating time to self- education is lost
here.
Finally, knowing that after classes you would still have to work at home
makes a kid less concentrated at school. This results in short attention spans
and difficulty to concentrate on something for too long.
All in all, homework should rather be an option. Students understanding
that they are left behind at some subjects will take their time to go over the
material at home. However, in other cases, they should have time after school
for other activities.
Accessed from: (https://chiefessays.net/position-essay-examples-to-help-you-graspthe-idea/
Guide Questions:
1. What is the opinion of the writer about the text? (State the writer ‘s
position)
2. Do you agree with the writer? Why? Why not? (Helpful Tip: Useful
Expression in agreeing or disagreeing with the views of others. I agree
with the writer’s claim that… I don’t agree with the author’s ideas/
thoughts…because…)
3. State the first argument of the writer? The first argument of the writer
is…
4. What is the conclusion of the writer? (Helpful Tip: Useful Expression in
Drawing Conclusion Using the Work of Others Based on the writer, a
connection can be made between…or As a conclusion…)
5. If you were to write a position paper what will be your stance about
giving of homework? (Helpful Tip: Useful Expression in presenting your
own point of view… I strongly believe that... I think/contend that…)
9

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Task 5
Directions: Write your reflection in your notebook by completing the
unfinished statements below.
I have learned that __________________________________________________________.
I have realized that______________________________________________________.
I will apply _______________________________________________________________.
Task 6
Directions: Choose one editorial from a newspaper that deals with any social
issue relevant to the Filipinos. Analyze the arguments used by the
writer. You may use the following guide in writing your analysis.
This argument analysis examines the article titled (title of the article) written by
(author). This article is about (briefly summarize the content of the article in 3
to 5 sentences). Specifically, this analysis identifies the position of the author,
his/ her main arguments, and the evidence supporting these arguments.
(Author) makes (number of claims) and supports them with various pieces of
evidence.
The first main argument is (state the argument in your own words). To support
this argument, the author uses (number of evidences presented). (State all the
pieces of evidence presented by the author to support the first argument. (State
your analysis of the argument and evidence presented. When presenting your
analysis, you may use phrases such as “first of all”, “the author assumes,” and
“the author fails to consider.”)
In conclusion, the author (state the author’s purpose). I agree that (state the
arguments of the author in which you agree with). However, (state your major
arguments).
WHAT I HAVE LEARNED
WHAT I CAN DO
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Task 7
A. Directions: Identify the word that is described in each statement.
_______ 1. It is one where an author chooses a side on a particular topic and
build up a case for your opinion or position.
_______ 2. A document publicly declaring the position or program of its issuer.
_______ 3. It is usually a main idea, often called a “claim” or “thesis statement,”
backed up with evidence that supports the idea.
_______4. It is something an argument takes for granted in reaching its
conclusion.
_______5. It is the available body of facts or information indicating whether.
B. What are the different issues in your school, community and country?
Choose one issue that you are interested in and choose your position. Write a
one-to two-page position paper. Make sure to follow the guidelines in making
it.
(Write your own title)
Introduction: (In the introduction part you should capture the reader’s
attention, define the issue given and state your claim.)
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Body: (State three arguments then cite the evidence supporting your
arguments)
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
ASSESSMENT
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___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Conclusion: (This part includes restating your claim, summarizing reasons
and explaining why your stand/ claim is worthy to read)
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
The rubrics in the evaluation of your position paper is as follows:
Argumentation (quality of logic, evidence, and explanation) = 25%
Persuasion= 25%
Language= 20%
Organization= 20%
Mechanics (spelling, grammar and punctuation) =10%
12

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Answer Key
Task
1
1.
T
6.F
2.
T
7.T
3.
T
8.F
4.
T
9.T
5.
T
10.T
Task
2
–
Answers
may
vary
Task
3
-
Answers
may
vary
Task
4-
Answers
may
vary
Task
5-
Answers
may
vary
Task
6-
Answers
may
vary
Task
7
A.
1.
position
paper
2.
manifesto
3.
argument
4.
assumption
5.
evidence
B.
Answers
may
vary

18. 13
References
(2021, April 19). Retrieved from https://chiefessays.net/position-essay-examples-to-
help-you-graspthe-idea/
(2021, April 19). Retrieved from
https://www.slideshare.net/rheiheartYOU/identifying-assumptions
(2021, April 19). Retrieved from
https://www.google.com/search?q=claim+in+position+paper&oq=Claim+in+pos
&aqs=chrome.0.0j69i57j0i22i30l8.18952j1j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
(2021, April 19). Retrieved from
https://www.google.com/search?q=argument+in+position+paper+meaning&oq=
argument+in+position+paper+meaning&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i22i30j0i390l3.13
455j1j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
(2021, April 19). Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/manifesto
(2021, April 19). Retrieved from https://www.enago.com/academy/top-tips-writing-
position-paper/
(2021, April 15). Retrieved from
https://www.google.com/search?q=video+on+EAPP+position+paper&oq=video+
on+EAPP+position+paper&aqs=chrome..69i57j33i22i29i30l3.16155j0j7&sourcei
d=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Jessie S. Barrot, P. (2016). Academic Reading & Writng For Senior High School. Quezon
City: C&E Publishing, Inc.
Uychoco, G. M. (n.d.). English for Academic and Professional Purposes . Rex Book Store
Pubishing Company.
14

19. For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:
Department of Education – Schools Division of Negros Oriental
Kagawasan, Avenue, Daro, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
Tel #: (035) 225 2376 / 541 1117
Email Address: negros.oriental@deped.gov.ph
Website: lrmds.depednodis.net